Padma Lakshmi says she was cynical about reality TV until she joined Top Chef. "It's always compelling to see someone be really good at what they do and strive to be the best in what they do," she says.

The culinary artist stopped by the Bryant Park studio today with spices from her new book, Tangy Tart Hot and Sweet: A World of Recipes for Every Day.

Lakshmi says that people today experience the globe through cuisine. "The world comes to us on every food court," she says.